Anthony Hardy Wants To Test Himself Against Bennett

Horden’s Anthony Hardy isn’t taking the usual journeyman route for his second pro fight. Instead, the 21-year-old will step in with Newcastle’s Chris Bennett who, like Anthony, is unbeaten at 1-0.

Hardy made his debut in July on Pro Box North East’s ‘Summer Rumble’ show at the Stadium of Light against the experienced Matt Seawright. Bennett, though, will be a different proposition, and both men will be determined not to lose their unbeaten tags – especially to a North East rival.

“I’m really pleased with how my debut went,” recalled Hardy. “Matt Seawright knows how to survive a fight and I did what needed to be done to beat him.

“I know very little about Bennett, but that doesn’t faze me. I’m a professional for a reason, and big fights like these are what it’s about.

“I don’t like to predict fights but with the hard work I’ve done in the gym I will be looking to impress everybody watching.

“The fact the fight is between two lads from the North East is really good for the fans, but it doesn’t make a difference for me, I just concentrate on winning.”

Promoter Phil Jeffries said: “Credit to these lads for taking this fight. They could easily have asked for a journeyman but they both wanted it.

“It’s another 50-50 fight, and it’s a North East derby too so it should be an absolute cracker. Neither will want to lose and the fans will be in for a treat. This is the type of fight I want on my shows.”

Pro Box North East presents Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings and Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott contesting the vacant English lightweight title at the Rainton Meadows Arena on October 19.

The undercard will feature some of the best unbeaten fighters from the region including Easington’s Paul Archer; Sunderland’s Jonson McClumpha; Hartlepool’s Mick Hadfield, Horden’s Anthony Hardy, and Newcastle’s Chris Bennett. Also appearing will be Edinburgh’s John McCallum and Doncaster’s David Allen.